Nancy Louise Atkins

HOLDEN - Nancy Louise Atkins (Larsen), 90, passed away peacefully at Dodge Park, Worcester, on September 8th, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She was born in Holden, the daughter of Einar and Ida P. (Hultin) Larsen.

Her husband Donald Robert Atkins passed away in 1985. She leaves her three daughters, Janet Brennan, her husband Gene of Edgewater, Maryland, Judy Bath, her husband Jay of Worcester, and Susan Atkins of Pawtuxet Village, Rhode Island; eight grandchildren, Harrison, William, John, Jacqueline, Natalie, Lucia, Greer and Van; and four great-grandchildren, Holden, Grace, Carmella, and Reid; and her sister-in-law Carole Herrick of Barrington, RI. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. Nancy was predeceased by her brother Bob Larsen and her sister Pauline Gabrielli.

Nancy spent most of her life in Holden, graduating from the former Holden High School. After graduating, she worked for Norton Company in Worcester, before marrying her high school sweetheart, Don. Nancy devoted her life and love to her husband Don, her three girls, and her eight grandchildren who knew her as "DeeDee" that she cherished dearly. She also found great joy and developed many true friendships while working at The Heather Shop, Benson's Clothing, The Gale Free Library, as well as while volunteering at Holden Hospital and The Corner Shop at The First Congregational Church in Holden. Nancy was a lifelong member of Chaffin Congregational Church in Holden.

Nancy could always be seen with a smile, heard with a giggle, and was never without a warm hug and fuchsia lipstick kiss for her dear friends, as well as for those she was meeting for the first time. She loved anything blue, knitting, completing beautiful puzzles, saving the whales, Absolute martinis with a twist, and her time on Nantucket.

Nancy always took great pride in creating a beautiful and welcoming home. Even in recent years, she held tight to her memories of Moody Beach, Maine, and her love of Holden.

The Atkins family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Jason and the staff of Tatnuck Park, Worcester for their care as well as to Micah, Ben, and the entire staff of Oasis and Dodge Park, Worcester for their extraordinary care and patience and for the beautiful and comforting surroundings Nancy was able to call home.

Also, sincere thanks to Dr's. Jack Kelly, Dennis Murphy, Thomas Halpin, and David Waterfall, their medical offices, and staff, for the many years of excellent care and attention they provided to Nancy. It was always a comfort to her family to know that she was in the hands of such compassionate and skilled professionals. Many thanks to Notre Dame Hospice for their love and assistance.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13th. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 14th at Miles Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Grove Cemetery in Holden. Please feel free to wear something blue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested for The Corner Shop At The First Congregational Church, 1180 Main Street Holden, MA 01520; or Alzheimer's Association 100 N Parkway, Suite 105, Worcester MA 01605.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit Nancy's tribute wall on this page.